Tab and can end employing the same

ABSTRACT

A tab is provided to facilitate opening of a can end. The tab has a nose portion located at a first end of the tab and a lift portion located at a second end of the tab opposite the nose portion. A rivet receiving portion is located proximate to the nose portion, and includes a rivet hole. A flange extends rearwardly from the lift portion of the tab to define a gap. The gap provides increased space between the underside of the flange and the exterior of the container end, thereby facilitating opening of the container end.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of, and claims priority under 35U.S.C. §120 from, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/246,087, filed onOct. 6, 2008, and entitled “TAB AND CAN END EMPLOYING THE SAME;” whichclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.60/978,882, filed Oct. 10, 2007, the contents of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The invention generally relates to openers for opening containers and,more particularly, to tabs used to open can ends, such as beer/beveragecan ends and food can ends. The invention further relates to can endshaving tabs.

Background Information

A tab is typically secured to a can end by a rivet, and the can end isopened by lifting a lift portion of the tab by pulling upwards on thetab so as to pivot the tab about the rivet. Specifically, when the tabpivots after the lift portion of the tab has been lifted upwards, theopposite end (e.g., nose portion or end) of the tab fractures a scoreline disposed on the can end, which permits the end-user to access thecontents of the can.

Prior to use, the tab is generally in a flat orientation, parallel tothe plane of the end panel of the can end. Lifting the tab requires theend-user to reach with their finger between the tab and the seam of acan end and to exert an upward lift force on the bottom side of the tab.Such an approach can create difficulty for the end-user to acquireproper leverage to open the can end. The difficulty can become morepronounced if the end-user has relatively long fingernails and/or weakfingers that make it awkward for the end-user to reach between the taband the seam of the can end. Also, the area available for finger accessbetween the tab and the seam decreases for smaller can end diameters, aswell as for can ends having smaller center panels. This furtherincreases the difficulty associated with opening the can end.

There is, therefore, room for improvement in tabs, and in can ends, suchas beer/beverage can ends and food can ends, which employ tabs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These needs and others are met by embodiments of the invention, whichare directed to a tab for containers (e.g., cans) wherein the tab isstructured to facilitate access to the tab and relatively easy actuationof the tab to facilitate easy opening of the can end by the end-user.

As one aspect of the invention, a tab is provided for a can end. The tabhas a body comprising a bottom surface disposed in a plane, and a topsurface disposed opposite the bottom surface at a preselected height,h₁, with respect to the plane of the bottom surface; a nose portionlocated at a first end of the body of the tab; a lift portion located ata second end of the tab, opposite the nose portion; a rivet receivingportion located proximate to the nose portion, the rivet receivingportion including a rivet hole; and a flange located at the rearwardedge of the lift portion of the tab, the flange including an upperportion and an underside disposed opposite the upper portion. Theunderside of the flange is disposed at a preselected height, h₂, withrespect to the plane of the bottom surface of the tab. The preselectedheight, h₂, forms a ratio, h₂:h₁, with respect to the preselectedheight, h₁, which has a value of between about 0.60 to about 0.95.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the followingdescription of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a tab, in accordance with an embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the tab of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the tab of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the tab of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an end elevation view of the lift portion of the tab of FIG.1;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the tab coupled to a can end, in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are isometric views of tabs, in accordance with otherembodiments of the invention; and

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a tab, in accordance with anotherembodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of the description hereinafter, directional phrases usedherein such as, for example, “right”, “left”, “upper”, “lower”,“vertical”, “horizontal”, “axial”, “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “aft”,“back”, “behind”, “rearward”, and derivatives thereof shall relate tothe invention, as it is oriented in the drawing, as if the invention wasplaced in operational relationship with a level can end coupled to anupright can body with the can body resting on a flat horizontal surface.It is to be understood that the specific elements illustrated in thedrawings and described in the following specification are simplyexemplary embodiments of the invention. Therefore, specific dimensions,orientations and other physical characteristics related to theembodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting withrespect to the scope of the invention.

As employed herein, the terms “can” and “container” are usedsubstantially interchangeably to refer to any known or suitablecontainer or can having an end to which the disclosed tab may becoupled.

As used herein, the term “arcuate” means an elliptical or rounded: (i)arc; (ii) arch; (iii) bend; (iv) bow; (v) curve; (vi) radius; and/or(vii) the like that has one or more radii of curvatures.

As used herein, the term “tab” refers to an opening device (e.g.,opener) made from substantially rigid material that has undergone one ormore forming and/or tooling operations, and which is structured to besuitably affixed to a can end for the purpose of being pivoted to severa score line and open at least a portion of the can end.

As used herein, the term “curled” or “hemmed” means bent or formed withrespect to a longitudinal axis of the tab, wherein the bend is at leastninety degrees relative to a vertical axis that passes through the tabperpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

As used herein, the term “number” shall mean one or an integer greaterthan one (i.e., a plurality).

As used herein, the statement that two or more parts are “attached”,“connected”, “coupled”, or “engaged” together shall mean that the partsare joined together either directly or joined through one or moreintermediate parts.

FIGS. 1-8 show a tab 10 in accordance with the invention. The body ofthe tab 10 includes a nose portion 12 at the front end (e.g., right endfrom the perspective of FIGS. 1, 5 and 8; left end from the perspectiveof FIGS. 2-4) of the tab 10 and a lift portion 14 at the back end (e.g.,left end from the perspective of FIGS. 1, 5 and 8; right end from theperspective of FIGS. 2-4) of the tab 10. Each portion 12,14 is generallyU-shaped along its periphery such that the two portions 12,14 complimenteach other to form the generally oval-shaped tab 10, shown in FIGS. 1-3and 7.

In one non-limiting example embodiment of the invention, the tab 10includes first and second slots 16 (both shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 7)between the nose portion 12 and the lift portion 14 on opposing sides ofthe tab 10, although it will be appreciated that such slots 16 are notrequired (see, for example, tabs 110, 210 and 310 of FIGS. 9, 10 and 11,respectively). In combination, the two slots 16 form a first fulcrum 18that extends generally transverse to a first or longitudinal axis 20that passes through the length of the tab 10, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.Each slot 16 is of a preselected length and depth, with the fulcrum 18forming an axis or bend line that divides the tab 10 approximately inhalf and allows the lift portion 14 of the tab 10 to pivot (e.g., flex)in relation to the nose portion 12. This is shown, for example, inphantom line drawing in FIG. 5. Thus, the fulcrum 18 and slots 16 havethe benefit of enabling an end-user to more easily lift (e.g., upwardfrom the perspective of FIG. 5) the tab 10 when it is affixed to a canend 74 (partially shown in phantom line drawing in FIG. 5; also shown inFIGS. 7 and 8) and access the contents of a can (not shown).

In the example of FIG. 4, the nose portion 12 includes first curled orhemmed edges 22 along a periphery of the nose portion 12. That is, theedges 22 are curled underneath the nose portion 12 to form a cylindricalcross-section shaped curl or edge portion 24 to rigidize the noseportion 12 and provide beam strength to the nose portion 12, therebyincreasing the overall strength of the tab 10. It will be appreciated,however, that the edge portion 24 could have any other known or suitablealternative configuration (not shown), without departing from the scopeof the invention. The first curled edges 22 extend around the outergenerally U-shaped periphery of the nose portion 12, as shown in FIGS.1-3. The front 26 (FIGS. 1-3 and 7) of the nose portion 12 may be moresignificantly rolled, for example, to increase the area of the noseportion 12 that contacts a tear panel 80 (FIG. 7) of the can end 74(FIGS. 5, 7 and 8) or a removable end panel (not shown) of a can end,such as, for example, for a food can (not shown).

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 1-3, the nose portion 12 of the tab 10further includes a rivet receiving portion 28, which is generallysemi-circular shaped (shown) but which can be square-shaped (not shown)or rectangular-shaped (not shown), and is located rearwardly of the noseportion 12. The rivet receiving portion 28 includes a rivet hole 30 thatis shaped to receive an integral rivet 86 (FIGS. 7 and 8) to affix thetab 10 to the can end 74 (FIGS. 7 and 8), and which enables the noseportion 12 to pivot about the rivet 86 (FIGS. 7 and 8). The rivetreceiving portion 28 is integrally attached to the nose portion 12 alongone or more indentations 32 (one is shown in FIGS. 1-3). Theindentations 32 enable flexibility about the rivet 86 (FIGS. 7 and 8)when the nose portion 12 of the tab 10 is actuated (e.g., lifted and/orpivoted).

A generally C-shaped relief aperture 34 (e.g., from the top plan andbottom plan perspectives of FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively) surrounds aportion of the rivet hole 30 adjacent the outer periphery of the rivetreceiving portion 28. The generally C-shaped relief aperture 34 presentsa void or hole that further facilitates flexibility of the tab 10.Opposing ends of the generally C-shaped relief aperture 34 define asecond fulcrum 36, which extends generally transverse to the first orlongitudinal axis 20, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. It will be appreciated,however, that the generally C-shaped relief aperture 34 mayalternatively have one leg longer than the other leg, as is shown inFIG. 1. That is, the ends of the C-shaped relief aperture 34 are offsetwith respect to one another such that the second fulcrum (not shown inFIG. 1) would not be generally transverse the first axis 20, but ratherwould pass through the first axis 20 (FIGS. 2 and 3) at an angle (e.g.,greater than or less than 90 degrees) (not shown) with respect thereto.The second fulcrum 36 provides another bend line about which the tab 10can pivot as shown, for example, in phantom line drawing in FIG. 4.

It will be appreciated that other features could be additionally oralternatively included on the tab 10, without departing from the scopeof the invention. For example and without limitation, a generallyV-shaped coin (not shown) may optionally be provided between the rivethole 30 and the front 26 of the nose portion 12, proximate to theindentations 32. The generally V-shaped coin (not shown), would, forexample, function to render the first curled edge 22 more rigid andwould assist in preventing tearing of the tab 10 during the stress ofopening the can end 74 (FIGS. 7 and 8).

As previously noted, lift portion 14 is the part of the tab 10 that isactuated (e.g., lifted; pivoted upwards and/or downwards) by an end-userto open the can end 74 (FIGS. 7 and 8). The lift portion 14 is generallyU-shaped (e.g., from the perspectives of FIGS. 1-3 and 7) with secondcurled or hemmed edges 38 (FIGS. 1-6) extending along a portion of theperiphery of the lift portion 14. The profile of the flange 62(described hereinbelow) at the end of the lift portion 14 of the tab 10extends between the endpoints of these second curled or hemmed edges 38and has an arcuate shape that may be oriented convexly (e.g., bowingaway from the finger hole 40, as shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 7; see alsoflange 162 of FIG. 9) or concavely (e.g., curved inwardly as shown, forexample and without limitation, in FIGS. 10 and 11). The second curlededges 38 are curled or hemmed underneath a portion of the lift portion14, as best shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. It will be appreciated that thesecond curled edges 38 may have a substantially cylindrical curl along aportion of the periphery of the lift portion 14 that is proximate to butnot at the tab end. The lift portion 14 further includes a finger hole40 (FIGS. 1-3 and 7) disposed through a top surface 42 (FIGS. 1-4, 6 and7) of the lift portion 14.

As shown in FIG. 6, the top surface 42 of the lift portion 14 isdisposed at a preselected height, h₁, above the plane of the bottomsurface of the tab 10 (see also flange 362 of tab 310 of FIG. 11, whichis tilted or curled upwards to further increase the preselected height,h₁, of that tab 310). It will be appreciated that while the finger hole40 is shown as having the shape of a circle, it could have any known orsuitable shape such as, for example and without limitation, an oval orellipse (see, for example, finger holes 140 and 240, shown in FIGS. 9and 10, respectively) or any other known or suitable geometric shape(not shown). In front (e.g., toward the rivet hole 30) of the fingerhole 40, a tapered portion 44 (FIGS. 1-3) extends downward to a recessedpaneled or beaded area 46, which is disposed at a lower height or planein relation to the top surface 42 of the lift portion 14. Morespecifically, the paneled area 46 (FIGS. 1-4) is a compressed areaadjacent and integral to the lift portion 14, and is located at aboutthe middle of the tab 10 in front (e.g., toward the rivet hole 30) ofthe finger hole 40 and top surface 42 of the lift portion 14, andgenerally between the aforementioned slots 16. That is, the paneled orbeaded area 46 forms a web that extends from at or about one slot 16 onone side of the body of the tab 10 to at or about the correspondingopposing slot 16 on the opposite side of the body of the tab 10. It willbe appreciated that a relatively abrupt wall portion may extend from thetop surface 42 of the lift portion 14 toward the paneled or beaded area46.

The paneled area 46 further includes extensions 48 that extend generallyin the direction of the first axis 20, toward the nose portion 12. Theextensions 48 are integrally connected to the nose portion 12 of thetab, thereby integrally attaching the nose portion 12 and the liftportion 14 through the middle of the tab 10, as shown in FIGS. 1-3. Thepaneled or beaded area 46 provides the middle of the tab 10 withincreased strength and rigidity such that the lift portion 14 resistsdisconnection (e.g., without limitation, fracture) from the remainder ofthe tab 10 after movement of the lift portion 14 about the fulcrum 18(FIGS. 2 and 3). It will be appreciated, however, that theaforementioned features (e.g., without limitation, generally C-shapedrelief aperture 34; paneled or beaded area 46) are somewhat specific tothe tab 10, which includes slots 16. As previously noted, in accordancewith certain embodiments of the invention, the slots 16 are not requiredand, in fact, are not included at all (see, for example, tabs 110,210and 310 of FIGS. 9, 10 and 11, respectively, discussed hereinbelow).Therefore, the above features (e.g., without limitation, generallyC-shaped relief aperture 34; paneled or beaded area 46), which areassociated with the slots 16, are also not required. For example, asdiscussed hereinbelow with respect to FIGS. 9-11, the thin flange 162(FIG. 9), 262 (FIG. 10), 362 (FIG. 11) feature of the invention, whichprovides increased accessibility to the end-user to lift the tab 110(FIG. 9), 210 (FIG. 10), 310 (FIG. 11) can be employed independentlywith respect to any of the other tab features disclosed herein (e.g.,without limitation, without slots 16). The flange 162 (FIG. 9), 262(FIG. 10), 362 (FIG. 11) may also be employed with any known or suitabletype (e.g., without limitation, aluminum; steel; beer/beverage; food)and configuration of tab.

Referring again to the example of FIGS. 1-3, the aforementioned slots 16and other features of tab 10 will now be discussed in greater detail.Specifically, although the slots 16 shown and described herein extendall the way to the paneled area 46, this need not necessarily be thecase. For example and without limitation, a small connector (not shown)could be provided between the paneled area 46 and the inward edges ofthe slots 16, which would be integrally connected to the nose portion 12and the lift portion 14 to provide strength to the tab 10 during thestress of upward movement of the lift portion 14 about fulcrum 18 (FIGS.2, 3 and 5) when the end-user actuates the lift portion 14 to open thecan end 74 (FIGS. 7 and 8) and the downward movement of the lift portion14 about fulcrum 18 (FIGS. 2, 3 and 5), for example, when the liftportion 14 is pushed downward by the end-user to conclude the openingprocess. It will also be appreciated that although the example tab hastwo opposing slots 16, that the tab 10 could have any known or suitablealternative number and/or configuration of slots (not shown), which arepreferably disposed in opposing pairs to form corresponding fulcrums(e.g., bend lines).

It will also be appreciated that in certain embodiments of theinvention, the paneled or beaded area 46 has a first edge 50 (FIGS. 1-3)that is connected to the tapered portion 44 adjacent to the finger hole40. First edge 50 extends generally transverse to the first axis 20. Inthe example of FIGS. 1-3, the opposite ends 52 of the first edge 50 havecorresponding edges (e.g., second edge 54 and third edge 56,respectively). More specifically, the second and third edges 54,56extend outwardly from the opposing ends 52 of the first edge 50 inopposed relationship to each other, and generally lie in the directionof the first axis 20 (e.g., longitudinal axis). Each of the second edge54 and the third edge 56 terminate at a juncture with a correspondingportion of the generally C-shaped relief aperture 34. However, the endpoints of the second and third edges 54,56, at the juncture with thegenerally C-shaped relief aperture 34, are integrally connected to eachother via a fourth edge 58 of the paneled or beaded area 46 (e.g., web),which is formed at the outer periphery of the generally C-shaped reliefaperture 34, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In other words, the web of thepaneled or beaded portion 46 extends longitudinally from the base of thefirst edge 50 to the fourth edge 58, and transversely from the base ofthe second edge 54 to the base of the third edge 56. The fourth edge 58has an arcuate shape in the example shown, although it will beappreciated that it could have any known or suitable alternative shapeand/or configurations, without departing from the scope of theinvention.

In certain embodiments, the curled edges 22 and 38 that curl underneaththe periphery of both the nose portion 12 and a portion of the liftportion 14, respectively, have portions that connect beneath slots 16,thereby further integrally connecting the nose portion 12 and the liftportion 14. Thus, in certain embodiments, the slots 16 do not extendcompletely through the depth of the periphery of the tab 10, such thatthe curled edges beneath the slots 16 are not cut. The curled edges 22and 38 of the nose portion 12 and the lift portion 14, respectively, andthe curled edges beneath slots 16, together, form a continuous curlportion 60 around a portion of the periphery of the tab 10, as shown inFIG. 3. The continuous curl portion 60 improves the strength of the tab10 during the lifting of the lift portion 14 upward about fulcrum 18,and during the resetting of the lift portion 14 downward about fulcrum18, as shown for example in phantom line drawing in FIG. 5, andfunctions to hold the nose and lift portions 12,14 of the tab 10together during use.

To assist in end-user activation and, in particular, access to andinitial lifting of the tab 10, the tab 10 includes the aforementionedflange 62 (best shown in FIGS. 4-6, 7 and 8; see also flanges 162,262and 362 of FIGS. 9,10 and 11), which is located at the rearward edge 66of the lift portion 14 of the tab 10. The top portion or surface 64 ofthe flange 62 is preferably generally coplanar with the top surface 42of the lift portion 14, as shown in FIG. 4. The flange 62 has an arcuateshaped edge 66, which in the example shown is oriented convexly withrespect to the finger hole 40 of the tab 10 (see also flange 162 andconvex edge 166 thereof of tab 110 of FIG. 9). However, it will beappreciated that it could be oriented concavely (see, for example,flange 262 and concave edge 266 thereof of tab 210 of FIG. 10). It willfurther be appreciate that the flange 62 (FIGS. 1-8), 162 (FIG. 9), 262(FIG. 10), 362 (FIG. 11), is a primary feature of the invention, whichcould be employed with any known or suitable tab type (e.g., withoutlimitation, aluminum; steel; beer/beverage; food) or configurationeither with the aforementioned features (e.g., without limitation, slots16) or independently thereof (see, for example, tabs 110, 210 and 310 ofFIGS. 9, 10 and 11, respectively, which are devoid of slots (e.g., 16)).

The flange 62 and, in particular, edge 66 is not curled or hemmed likeedges 38, previously discussed hereinabove. The edge 66 mayalternatively or additionally be bent, deformed or wiped down as shownin FIGS. 1-3, although the edge 66 would still not be curled or hemmedlike edges 38, as such terms are defined and illustrated herein. Rather,the flange 62 is relatively thin, and preferably comprises a singlemetal thickness, t, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 (see also single metalthickness, t, of flange 362 of tab 310 of FIG. 11). As shown in FIGS.4-6 and 8, the thin structure (e.g., single metal thickness) of theflange 62 increases the gap 68, which is defined under the flange 62,for example, between the plane of the underside or a bottom surface ofthe tab 10 and the underside or bottom surface of the flange 62. The gap68 provides space for an end-user to insert a finger (not shown), amechanical lifting device (not shown) or the like, between the flange 62of the tab 10 and the top of the can end 74 (partially shown in phantomline drawing in FIG. 5; see also FIGS. 7 and 8). That is, the bottomsurface or underside of the flange 62 is disposed a height, h₂, abovethe bottom surface or the plane of the underside of the tab 10, as shownin FIG. 6. Also shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, is that the flange thickness, t,is measured by the difference between the overall height, h₁, of the tab10 and the preselected height, h₂, from the bottom surface of the tab 10to the underside of the flange 62.

With reference to FIG. 2, a second axis 70 passing through the rivethole 30 and one end of the arcuate shaped edge 66 forms an angle, θ₁,with respect to a third axis 72 passing through the rivet hole 30 andanother end of the arcuate shaped edge 66. θ₁ is preferably about 10degrees to about 50 degrees. More preferably, as shown in the example ofFIG. 2, θ₁ is between about 25 degrees to about 45 degrees. The arcuateshaped edge 66 extends from a position of about eleven o'clock to aposition of about one o'clock on the tab 10 relative to a twelve o'clockposition or center point 90. In FIG. 2, the twelve o'clock position 90is at the right side of the tab 10, on the rearward portion of the liftportion 14. Longitudinal axis 20, which passes through the length of thetab 10, also passes through the twelve o'clock position or center point90.

With reference to FIG. 3, the second curled or hemmed edges 38 terminateat ends 92 proximate to the flange 62. The ends 92 have an arcuate shapewhen viewed from the bottom plan view perspective of FIG. 3, and areintegrally connected to the flange 62. From the end elevation viewperspective of FIG. 6, the second curled or hemmed edges 38 terminate atends 92 in a generally tapered shape 94 that extends upwardly at anangle from the bottom surface of the tab 10. The generally tapered shape94 integrally connects the ends 92 to the flange 62.

As previously noted, the tab 10 has a preselected height, hi, which ismeasured from the plane of the bottom surface of the tab 10 to the topsurface 42 of the tab 10, as shown in FIG. 6. In one non-limitingexample, the preselected height, h₁, is about 0.060 inches (1.52 mm) toabout 0.065 inches (1.65 mm) and the preselected height, h₂, of theaforementioned gap 68, which is measured from the plane (e.g., a phantomhorizontal line that extends horizontally from the underside or bottomsurface) of the underside or bottom surface of the tab 10 to the bottomsurface or underside of the flange 62, of about 0.044 inches (1.12 mm)to about 0.054 inches (1.37 mm). It will be appreciated that thisgenerally represents the height of the underside of the flange 62 abovethe public surface (e.g., exterior) of an end panel 76 (FIGS. 7 and 8)of the can end 74 (FIGS. 7 and 8), as partially shown in phantom linedrawing in FIG. 5, although it is somewhat less than the height abovethe end panel 76 because it does not account for end panel features(e.g., finger well 96; beads (not numbered)) that cause the flange 62 tobe further from the end panel 76, as shown in FIG. 8. It will also beappreciated that the height, h₂, of the gap 68 (as well as height, h₁)can be further increased by tilting, curling or otherwise suitablyelevating the flange 362 of the lifting portion 314 of the tab 310 and,in particular, the edge 366 of the flange 362, with respect to theremainder of the tab body, as shown, for example and without limitation,in FIG. 11 (discussed hereinbelow). The ratio of h₂ to h₁ is preferablyabout 0.68 to about 0.9, although it will be appreciated that it couldbe greater, such as for example and without limitation, from about 0.60to about 0.95 or any value or range therebetween.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the flange 62 (see also tabs110,210,310 and flanges 162,262,362, respectively, of FIGS. 9-11) andgap 68 provided thereby, result in a substantial increase in heightcompared to prior art tabs (not shown), wherein although the tab wouldalso have a preselected height measured from the bottom surface of thetab to the top surface of the tab of about 0.060 inches (1.52 mm) toabout 0.065 inches (1.65 mm), the preselected height of the gap (notshown) measured from the plane of the bottom surface of the tab to thebottom surface of the curl (not shown) at the rearward portion of thelift portion, from the bottom of the gap to the top of the gap, or fromthe public surface of an end panel of a can end to the bottom surface ofthe curl (not shown) at the rearward portion of the lift portion, wasonly about 0.032 inches (0.81 mm). Moreover, the ratio of thepreselected height of the tab to the preselected height of the gap inprior art tabs is about 0.49 to about 0.53. Accordingly, known tabs donot provide as much space for an end-user to insert a finger (notshown), a mechanical lifting device (not shown) or the like between thecan end 74 (FIGS. 7 and 8) and the bottom surface of the rearwardportion (e.g., flange 62) of the tab 10 as the gap 68 provided by thedisclosed tabs 10 (FIGS. 1-8), 110 (FIG. 9), 210 (FIG. 10), 310 (FIG.11). Thus, the increased size of the gap 68 of the disclosed tabs 10(FIGS. 1-8), 110 (FIG. 9), 210 (FIG. 10), 310 (FIG. 11) allows theend-user to facilitate opening of the can end 74 (FIGS. 7 and 8).

Turning to FIG. 7, the tab 10 of the invention is shown affixed to canend 74, which is representative of can ends commonly used inbeer/beverage applications. The can end 74 has an end panel 76, which isgenerally circular in shape and includes a circumferentially extendingraised curl 78 (best shown in FIG. 8) for attaching the can end 74 to asuitable beer/beverage can (not shown) or the like. In general, the canend 74 will be manufactured from a relatively ductile metal such as, forexample, and without limitation, aluminum alloyed sheet, but it will beappreciated that it may be made from other acceptable materials such as,for example and without limitation, steel alloyed sheet. It will also beappreciated that the tab 10 may be affixed to any known or suitableother type of container or container end (e.g., without limitation, foodcan ends) (not shown), without departing from the scope of theinvention.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 7, a retained tear panel 80 extends acrossthe can end 74 from a position spaced inwardly of the raised curl 78 toapproximately the center of can end 74. The tear panel 80 is defined bya generally U-shaped score line 82 with closed end 84 of the generallyU-shaped score line 82 being positioned proximate to the center of canend 74. As shown, the score line 82 is interrupted so that tear panel 80will be captively retained on the underside or product side of can end74 once it has been opened (not shown). The aforementioned integralrivet 86 is positioned adjacent the closed end 84 of generally U-shapedscore line 82, and secures the tab 10 to the can end 74.

Referring again to FIG. 5, an upwardly extending fourth axis 88 is shownextending from the slots 16 at an angle, θ₂, with the first axis 20 thatextends along the length of the tab 10. In certain embodiments, θ₂ willhave a value of about 90 degrees. However, it will be appreciated thatθ₂ may have other suitable values such as, for example and withoutlimitation, a value from about 80 degrees to about 100 degrees. Inoperation, when the lift portion 14 of the tab 10 is raised upwardsabout fulcrum 18, lift portion 14 flexes or bends upward along thefulcrum 18, as shown in phantom line drawing, to enable the end-user toobtain proper leverage and more easily lift the lift portion 14 to opena can end 74 (partially shown in phantom line drawing in FIG. 5).Specifically, the lift portion 14 bends upward about fulcrum 18 by apreselected angle of less than about 45 degrees and more preferably lessthan about 30 degrees, while the position of the nose portion 12 remainssubstantially unchanged. That is, the nose portion 12 continues to liealong substantially flat and parallel to the first axis 20 (e.g.,longitudinal axis). The angle that the lift portion 14 bends (e.g.,flexes) upward is defined by the angle, a, formed between a line (shownin phantom line drawing in FIG. 5) extending from the flange 62 of thelift portion 14 and the first axis 20.

It will be appreciated that the amount of upward lift or deflection orflexion of the lift portion 14 is dependent upon the specificconfiguration of the slots 16 used on the tab 10. During the initialupward lift or movement of lift portion 14, the nose portion 12 remainsat an angle of about 0 degrees, which angle is defined by the angleformed between a line extending through the length of the nose portion12 of the tab and the first axis 20. At sufficient upward lift of thelift portion 14 about fulcrum 18, the slots 16 are sufficiently closed,which preferably corresponds to a preselected angle, α, of less than 45degrees and more preferably less than 30 degrees. At this point, thelift portion 14 can no longer move upward without causing force (e.g.,tension) to be translated to the nose portion 12 through thesubstantially closed (not shown) slots 16. As the lift portion 14 islifted upward past this point, the rivet 86 (FIGS. 7 and 8) onto whichthe tab 10 is staked, is bent forwardly (not shown) toward the tearpanel 80 (FIG. 7). The movement of the rivet 86 toward the tear panel 80causes an initial rupture of the score line 82 proximate the rivet 86.Thus, as the tab 10 is actuated, it functions like a lever causing thenose portion 12 to pivot toward the tear panel 80.

Further upward movement of the lift portion 14 will induce downwardmovement of the nose portion 12, wherein the nose portion 12 pivots (notshown) about rivet 86 (FIGS. 7 and 8). The nose portion 12 thereafterinitiates a tear along score line 82 (FIG. 7), causing tear panel 80(FIG. 7) to bend downwardly (not shown) in a generally well knownmanner. As the lift portion 14 is raised further, the score line 82 iscaused to tear and a portion of the tear panel 80 remains secured to thecan end 74. Accordingly, the tear panel 80 is captivity retained on theunderside or product side of the can end 74. When the lift portion 14has been raised so the tear panel 80 is sufficiently open (not shown),the lift portion 14 may be bent downward about the fulcrum 18 and resetso as to lie substantially flush against the top surface of the endpanel 76 of the can end 74. This flexibility of the lift portion 14permits the lift portion 14 to not interfere with the end-user isconsumption of the contents (not shown) of the opened can (not shown).

As previously discussed, the paneled or beaded area 46 and continuouscurl 60 around a portion of the periphery of the tab 10 assist inpreventing the lift portion 14 of the tab 10 from breaking off from thenose portion 12 during upward or downward movement of the lift portion14 about fulcrum 18. Accordingly, the disclosed tab 10 is structured toresist the limitation of having the lift portion possibly break off fromthe remainder of the tab 10 as a result, for example and withoutlimitation, of the fulcrum not being reinforced with a paneled or beadedarea adjacent to the fulcrum or a continuous curl about a portion of theperiphery of the tab, as in the exemplary tab 10.

As can be seen in FIG. 8, the absence of curled or hemmed edges 38(FIGS. 1-6) at the flange 62 (see also flanges 162,262 and 362 of FIGS.9, 10 and 11) assists in defining the gap 68 under the flange 62 (FIGS.1-8), 162 (FIG. 9), 262 (FIG. 10), 362 (FIG. 11), between a phantomhorizontal line that extends from the underside or bottom surface of thetab 10 (FIGS. 1-8), 110 (FIG. 9), 210 (FIG. 10), 310 (FIG. 11) to definethe plane of the bottom surface of the tab 10,110,210,310 and theunderside or bottom surface of the flange 62,162,262,362 or between thebottom surface of the flange 62,162,262,362 and the public surface ofthe end panel 76 (FIGS. 7 and 8) of the can end 74 (FIGS. 7 and 8) towhich the tab 10,110,210,310 is attached (only tab 10 is shown attachedto a can end 74 in FIGS. 7 and 8, although it will be appreciated thattabs 110,210,310 and other suitable tabs (not shown) in accordance withembodiments of the invention are structured to be suitably attached to acorresponding can end (not shown) in a similar generally well knownmanner). In this manner, the flange 62,162, 262,362 provides increasedspace for the end-user to relatively easily insert a finger (not shown),a mechanical lifting device (not shown), or the like into the gap 68 foractuation of the tab 10,110,210,310. It will also be appreciated that afinger well 96, as shown in the examples of FIGS. 7 and 8, mayoptionally also be provided on the end panel 76 of the can end 74 tofurther assist the end-user in inserting the finger, mechanical liftingdevice or the like into the gap 68 to facilitate actuation of the tab 10and opening of the can end 74. Moreover, the lift portion 14 of tab 10in the example of FIGS. 1-8, which includes the aforementioned optionalslots 16, also flexes or bends by way of such slots 16 (FIGS. 1-5 and 7)to further facilitate the can end 74 (FIGS. 7 and 8) opening process.

FIG. 9 shows the aforementioned tab 110 which, unlike the tab 10disclosed hereinabove with respect to FIGS. 1-8, employs the thin (e.g.,without limitation, single metal thickness) flange 162 of the invention,independently of the slots 16. That is, the thin flange 162 can beemployed with any known or suitable tab (e.g., without limitation, 110;see also tabs 210 and 310 of FIGS. 10 and 11), without the slots 16 andvarious other features (e.g., generally C-shaped relief aperture 34;beaded paneled area 46) that are associated with the slots 16. In theexample of FIG. 9, the flange 162 at the lift portion 114 of tab 110 hasa single metal thickness, and includes an arcuate edge 166 that isoriented convexly (e.g., bowing outwardly away from) with respect to thefinger hole 140 of the tab 110.

FIG. 10 illustrates a non-limiting alternative embodiment of a tab 210in accordance with the invention, wherein the tab 210 has a lift portion214 with a flange 262, wherein the edge 266 of the flange 262 at therearward end of the lift portion 214 is oriented concavely (e.g., curvedinwardly towards) with respect to the finger hole 240 of the tab 210,rather than convexly (FIG. 9).

FIG. 11 shows the aforementioned tab 310, which has the flange 362tilted, curved, curled or otherwise suitably elevated upwardly withrespect to the remainder of the body of the tab 310. For example andwithout limitation, in FIG. 11, the flange 362 and, in particular, theedge 366 thereof, is disposed at an angle 370 with respect to the plane372 of the tab body. In one non-limiting embodiment, the angle 370 isabout 20 degrees. However, it will be appreciated that the flange 362could be disposed at any suitable alternative angle (e.g., less than 20degrees; greater than 20 degrees), without departing from the scope ofthe invention. As previously discussed hereinabove, it will also beappreciated that no such angle 370 is required. However, it can beoptionally implemented to further increase the height, h₂, of theunderside of the tab flange 362 above the underside of the body of thetab 310, as shown. It will be further appreciated that this feature(e.g., the tilted, curled or otherwise suitable elevated flange 362), aswell as the convex and concave features of the tabs 110 and 210 of FIGS.9 and 10, respectively, of the single metal thickness flange 62 (FIGS.1-8), 162 (FIG. 9), 262 (FIG. 10), 362 (FIG. 11) can be employedindependently from, or in any suitable combination with, any of theother tab features (e.g., without limitation, slots 16) disclosedhereinabove.

As previously discussed, although the example shown and described withrespect to FIGS. 7 and 8 is directed to a can end 74 for beer/beverageapplications for the purpose of drinking a liquid or pouring a liquidinto another container directly from the can, it will be appreciatedthat the tab 10,110,210,310 of the invention could also be applied toother types of can ends (not shown) such as, for example and withoutlimitation, food can ends (not shown) that have the entire end panelremoved. Thus, one of ordinary skill in the art would readily appreciatethat the teachings of the invention would equally apply to can ends usedin beer/beverage applications as well as in food applications. As such,the disclosed tab 10,110,210,310 encompasses tabs that are affixed tobeer/beverage can ends, food can ends and any other known or suitablecontainer ends. It is noted that the details of the tab 10 of theinvention, with respect to an end use affixed to such other can ends(not shown), has been omitted for economy of disclosure and simplicityof illustration.

The tooling and method of forming the tab 10,110,210,310 have beenomitted from the Figures and specification for economy of disclosure andsimplicity of illustration. Generally, in the tooling (not shown) forthe manufacture of the tab 10,110,210,310 of the invention andassociated method, material to be converted into a plurality of tabs10,110,210,310 is conveyed into a conversion press (not shown) in agenerally well known manner. In the typical operation of a conversionpress, material is introduced between at least one upper tool member andat least one lower tool member that are in an open, spaced apartposition. A ram advances the upper tool member toward a lower toolmember in order to perform any of a variety of tooling operations suchas rivet forming, hole punching, scoring, paneling, embossing and/orfinal staking. After performing an operation at a specific station, thepress ram retracts until the upper tool member and lower tool member areonce again in the open, spaced apart position. The partially convertedmaterial is transported to the next tooling station until the tab10,110,210,310 is completely formed and discharged from the conversionpress. As the material leaves a given tooling operation, more materialis introduced to the vacated operation, for example, as part of acontinuous sheet, thus continuously repeating the manufacturing process.It will be appreciated that the tooling for the manufacture of the tab10,110,210,310 and associated method could be performed by any number ofa variety of tooling shapes having a wide variety of suitableconfigurations, without departing from the scope of the invention.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been described indetail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and alternatives to those details could be developed inlight of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, theparticular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only andnot limiting as to the scope of the invention which is to be given thefull breadth of the claims appended hereto and any and all equivalentsthereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tab structured to be affixed to a can end, thetab comprising: a body comprising a bottom surface, a top surfacedisposed opposite the bottom surface, a first end, and a second enddisposed opposite the first end; a nose portion disposed at the firstend; a lift portion disposed at the second end, the lift portionincluding a portion having curled or hemmed edges; and a flange disposedat a rearward edge of the lift portion, the flange being substantiallydevoid of any curl or hem, wherein the curled or hemmed edges of thelift portion terminate at a pair of opposing end faces proximate theflange, and wherein the opposing end faces are integrally connected tothe flange and formed in a taper shape such that a spacing between theopposing end faces narrows toward the flange.
 2. The tab of claim 1wherein the body of the tab has an outer perimeter, the entire outerperimeter being curled except for the flange.
 3. The tab of claim 2wherein the flange consists of a single metallic layer disposed in aplane; and wherein a portion of the entire outer perimeter except forthe flange comprises at least two metallic layers overlaying oneanother.
 4. The tab of claim 3 wherein the flange has a first thickness;and wherein the portion of the entire outer perimeter except for theflange has a second thickness at least twice as large as the firstthickness.
 5. The tab of claim 1 wherein the flange comprises a singlemetal thickness.
 6. The tab of claim 1 wherein the flange comprises atop surface; and wherein the top surface of the flange is generallycoplanar with the top surface of the body of the tab.
 7. The tab ofclaim 1 wherein the flange comprises a top surface; and wherein the topsurface of the flange is not coplanar with the top surface of the bodyof the tab.
 8. The tab of claim 1 wherein the lift portion of the tabincludes a finger hole; wherein the flange has an arcuate edge; andwherein the arcuate edge of the flange is oriented concavely withrespect to the finger hole.
 9. The tab of claim 1, wherein the bodyfurther comprises opposing first and second sides, a longitudinal axisextending between the first and second ends of the body intermediate theopposing first and second sides, and a plurality of slots extendingthrough corresponding portions of the opposing first and second sides ofthe body of the tab between the nose portion and the lift portion;wherein the plurality of slots combine to form a fulcrum in order toenable the lift portion of the tab to flex with respect to the noseportion of the tab.
 10. The tab of claim 1 wherein the tab furthercomprises a rivet receiving portion disposed proximate the nose portion;wherein the rivet receiving portion has a rivet hole; and wherein thetab further has a generally C-shaped relief aperture surrounding aportion of the rivet hole.
 11. A can end comprising: an end panel; and atab affixed to the end panel, the tab comprising: a body comprising abottom surface, a top surface disposed opposite the bottom surface, afirst end, and a second end disposed opposite the first end, a noseportion disposed at the first end, a lift portion disposed at the secondend, the lift portion including a portion having curled or hemmed edges,and a flange disposed at a rearward edge of the lift portion, the flangebeing substantially devoid of any curl or hem, wherein the curled orhemmed edges of the lift portion terminate at a pair of opposing endfaces proximate the flange, and wherein the opposing end faces areintegrally connected to the flange and formed in a taper shape such thata spacing between the opposing end faces narrows toward the flange. 12.The can end of claim 11 being selected from the group consisting of beercan ends, beverage can ends, and food can ends.
 13. The can end of claim11 wherein the body of the tab has an outer perimeter, the entire outerperimeter being curled except for the flange.
 14. The can end of claim13 wherein the flange consists of a single metallic layer disposed in aplane; and wherein a portion of the entire outer perimeter except forthe flange comprises at least two metallic layers overlaying oneanother.
 15. The can end of claim 14 wherein the flange has a firstthickness; and wherein the portion of the entire outer perimeter exceptfor the flange has a second thickness at least twice as large as thefirst thickness.
 16. The can end of claim 11 wherein the flangecomprises a single metal thickness.
 17. The can end of claim 11 whereinthe flange comprises a top surface; and wherein the top surface of theflange is generally coplanar with the top surface of the body of thetab.
 18. The can end of claim 11 wherein the lift portion of the tabincludes a finger hole; wherein the flange has an arcuate edge; andwherein the arcuate edge of the flange is oriented concavely withrespect to the finger hole.
 19. The can end of claim 11 wherein the bodyfurther comprises opposing first and second sides, a longitudinal axisextending between the first and second ends of the body intermediate theopposing first and second sides, and a plurality of slots extendingthrough corresponding portions of the opposing first and second sides ofthe body of the tab between the nose portion and the lift portion;wherein the plurality of slots combine to form a fulcrum in order toenable the lift portion of the tab to flex with respect to the noseportion of the tab.
 20. The can end of claim 11 wherein the tab furthercomprises a rivet receiving portion disposed proximate the nose portion;wherein the rivet receiving portion has a rivet hole; and wherein thetab further has a generally C-shaped relief aperture surrounding aportion of the rivet hole.